In brief
In her article, Melissa Kirsch reminisces about her journey with memorizing poetry, starting with A.A. Milne's "Pinkle Purr." She explores the meditative comfort found in memorized verses and reflects on a recent challenge by The Times Book Review to memorize Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Recuerdo." Kirsch believes that engaging with poetry can provide solace amid life's distractions, revealing the unique beauty of familiar lines.
Memorizing poetry has long been a cherished personal practice that offers comfort and joy, as I discovered early on with A.A. Milne’s enchanting “Pinkle Purr.” This four-stanza children’s poem, depicting the evolving relationship between a kitten named Pinkle Purr and his mother, Tattoo, captivated me at the tender age of seven. I didn’t consciously strive to memorize it; rather, the rhythm and melody seeped into my mind through countless readings. The experience was reminiscent of humming favorite TV themes, engaging my imagination as I recited it in varied tones.Starting this early made memorization a delightful game rather than a chore, a perspective that stayed with me throughout my academic journey. For instance, I had Galway Kinnell’s “Little Sleep’s-Head Sprouting Hair in the Moonlight” embedded in my brain, its captivating lines surfacing unexpectedly even now, reminding me of the lasting impact of poetic beauty.Recently, The Times Book Review initiated a captivating challenge aimed at helping readers memorize Edna St. Vincent Millay’s exquisite poem “Recuerdo.” This interactive approach includes games and videos, like Ethan Hawke's engaging recitation of intriguing lines. While I am the ideal audience for this initiative, I believe even those who view poetry memorization as an obligation will find it a worthwhile endeavor. As the introduction states, poetry occupies a quieter space in our minds amid today's overwhelming texts, offering serene respite.One of my personal favorites, Gerard Manley Hopkins’ “Spelt From Sibyl’s Leaves,” holds a cherished place in my memory. I first committed it to heart about 20 years ago, revisiting it every so often when I feel my recitation faltering. This enigmatic piece, rich in rhythm and vivid imagery, provides immense joy each time I recite it. Interestingly, I recently learned that Hopkins intended for it to be performed aloud, blending spoken word with song.These lines of poetry, becoming an internal compass during sleepless nights or mundane tasks, remind me of their true worth. The ability to recall and perform memorized verses brings solace and transcends the tumult of everyday life, allowing us to sing words of beauty whenever we need them most.
